What are my options with regards to a shop charging me more than I had originally thought?
When I had brought my car into the shop a week ago I wanted them to put on just my front passenger control arms - both upper and lower. Along with this, they were to install a shock and strut, replace my driver side tie rod end assembly and give me a 4 wheel alignment.
When I had originally talked to the shop they quoted me 2 hours for control arms, 1.8 for driver side TRE and 2 hours for shock and strut. Now, all of the parts I need installed are supplied for them beforehand - so all I'm paying for is labor. I got a call back today with a grand total of $1,053. I of course ask how they got to this number and he had stated they charged 7 hours in total for the control arms. The rest of the work was inline with their original projections. They broke it down as almost 2 hours per control arm. Does this seem outrageous to you or am I being naive? What course of action would you take if any? By the way, I have not paid for my car yet. |
Are you sure that the quote of "2 hours for control arms" wasn't 2 hours PER control arm?
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That's just about what it works out to but I would never take it to a place
that charges 2 hours per control arm. When I had originally talked to the shop they quoted me 2 hours for the control arms.
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What I'm asking is, could there have been a misunderstanding between you & the person who gave..
the quote?
ie - You ask "How much labor for control arm replacement?" They say "Control arm replacement is 2 hours". You meant total, but they meant per arm? |
Not sure what recourse you have....but those estimates are HIGH and yes, that's outrageous.
1.8 hours for <b>ONE</b> tie rod end -- yikes. But I guess if that's what "book time" is...not much you can do.
But 7 hours for 4 control arms all on one side is <b>REEE-DICULOUS</b>. To some extent, since they were doing control arms and shock/strut on the same side....they could have (but not obligated to) combined the labor estimate to begin with (ie...you need to remove the shock/strut assy to get those two top arms out). But, that is the estimate they gave you and IMO, it's plenty high to begin with. So, try to stick to your guns and pay only what the original estimate says. This was a written estimate, yes? Hate to read stories like these..... Good luck Andy |
they got this all done in 1 day? that's over 10 hours billed. is their rate $100/hr + supplies?
If I were you, I'd go around to other local shops for 2-3 written estimates for the same work. If they come up well short of their bill, then you have a right to complain.
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Yes, I am assuming that is what happened. The gentleman I spoke with said
"there could have been better communication on both ends". I know I stated a full upper and lower control arm replacement on the front passenger side of my car though.
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I have had the car there about a week but they have only performed work
as of yesterday.
I just called over to Induktion and they would charge only 3 hours for the uppers and lowers. |
Yeah, I have a feeling I will be in there discussing this face to face.
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****e, DIY only took me 6 hours, you got hosed!!
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